"Donald
Lee Mayes was born in Denison, Texas on August 17, 1914. He grew up in
a family with roots deep in Texas pioneer soil...Donald's father and
his father's grandfather were medical doctors...He graduated from the
historic Denison High School on Main Street in 1931." He earned a
Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas in 1936 in the field of
architecture and and engineering. His internship was done under
H. Denman Schutt, a Dallas architect. Donald returned to Denison
in 1937 and began working for W.D. Collins Bank Fixture Company.
"In his years of practice between 1938 and 1966, Donald Mayes
designed and supervised construction of some 75 residences, each
individually crafted to fit particular owners' needs and wishes."

"The
first known residence designed by Donald Mayes still stands at 1103 W.
Wslker St. at North Tone Ave in Denison....Donald Mayes opened his
office in 1948, locating it on the second floor at 505 West Main
Street, where he remained."